infernal machine
C1formal, historical, literary
Definition
Meaning
A type of explosive or destructive device designed to kill people or cause damage; a booby trap or bomb.
An elaborate, often hidden, mechanical contraption designed for destructive or treacherous purposes; can be used metaphorically to describe any complex and dangerous scheme.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term originally carried strong connotations of villainy and treachery ('infernal' meaning 'hellish'). Modern usage is rare and often evokes a historical context, such as early terrorism or anarchism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally historical/archaic in both variants.
Connotations
Connotes elaborate, mechanical, and villainous construction. Often associated with 19th-century anarchists or assassins.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern language, found primarily in historical texts or as a deliberate archaism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
plant an infernal machinethe infernal machine of [abstract noun, e.g., bureaucracy]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[metaphorical] The infernal machine of bureaucracy ground on.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical studies of terrorism or political violence.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in modern engineering or bomb disposal; considered an archaic term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The plot had an almost infernal-machine-like complexity.
American English
- He was accused of an infernal-machine conspiracy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The police discovered an infernal machine hidden near the embassy.
- Historians analysed the anarchist's use of the infernal machine as a tool of propaganda by the deed.
- The novel's villain constructed an elaborate infernal machine to assassinate the prime minister.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a complex, ticking clockwork device from a 19th-century novel, labelled 'Property of Hell' – an INFERNAL MACHINE.
Conceptual Metaphor
MALICE IS A MECHANICAL DEVICE / DESTRUCTION IS A PRECISE ENGINE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'адская машина' for modern contexts; it's an archaic historical term. For 'bomb', use 'бомба', 'взрывное устройство'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to any malfunctioning machine (e.g., 'My laptop is an infernal machine').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern connotation of 'infernal machine'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic or historical term. In modern contexts, words like 'bomb', 'IED', or 'explosive device' are used.
Yes, though rarely. It can metaphorically describe any complex, impersonal, and destructive system (e.g., bureaucracy, war).
It originated in the late 18th/early 19th centuries, from French 'machine infernale', used to describe concealed explosive devices. 'Infernal' implies fiendish or hellish malice.
Historically, yes. An 'infernal machine' often implied a more elaborate, mechanically triggered, or disguised device, whereas 'bomb' is a more general term.
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